Question:
The thoughts on word - meaning in Buddhist Philosophy is called ___________.
The thoughts on word - meaning in Buddhist Philosophy is called ___________.
Show Hint
Apoha = "Exclusion." For Buddhists, "A" means "not non-A." It is a negative theory of meaning.
Updated On: May 30, 2026
- Pramāṇasaṃplava
- Śabdabrahma
- Apoha
- Śabdanityatva
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Buddhist epistemology (Dignaga and Dharmakirti) faced a challenge: if all things are unique, momentary particulars (*svalakshana*), how can words (which are general concepts) refer to them? To solve this, they developed a unique theory of semantics.
Step 1: The Doctrine of Apoha (Exclusion). The Buddhist theory of meaning is called Apoha. It states that a word does not refer to a positive "universal" (like "cow-ness"). Instead, the word "cow" works by excluding everything that is "not-cow." Meaning is therefore purely negative and differential. This allows Buddhists to use language without admitting the existence of permanent, real universals, which would contradict the doctrine of Impermanence.
Step 2: Contrasting with Vedic views.
• Śabdabrahma: The Vedantic idea that Word/Sound is the ultimate reality.
• Śabdanityatva: The Mimamsa view that words/sounds are eternal. Buddhists rejected both in favor of *Apoha*.
Step 1: The Doctrine of Apoha (Exclusion). The Buddhist theory of meaning is called Apoha. It states that a word does not refer to a positive "universal" (like "cow-ness"). Instead, the word "cow" works by excluding everything that is "not-cow." Meaning is therefore purely negative and differential. This allows Buddhists to use language without admitting the existence of permanent, real universals, which would contradict the doctrine of Impermanence.
Step 2: Contrasting with Vedic views.
• Śabdabrahma: The Vedantic idea that Word/Sound is the ultimate reality.
• Śabdanityatva: The Mimamsa view that words/sounds are eternal. Buddhists rejected both in favor of *Apoha*.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top CUET PG Baudha Darshan Or Buddhist Studies Questions
- This is an important text in the Abhidharma theory of Sarvāstivādins.
- “Ultimate cessation of suffering is the nirvāṇa” — whose concept is this?
- “A Buddhist monk can’t get a category of Buddha in spite of getting the position of Arhat” — whose concept was this?
- Saṃyuktanikāya is in which Piṭaka of Tripiṭakas?
- He is a Buddhist logician.
View More Questions
Top CUET PG Buddhist Philosophy Questions
- “Ultimate cessation of suffering is the nirvāṇa” — whose concept is this?
- He is a Buddhist logician.
- Where is the karuṇā in Buddha’s teachings?
- Select the correct statements about Buddhist Philosophy.
(A). Four Pāramitās are described in Buddhist Philosophy.
(B). There is a description of three truths only in Āryasatyas.
(C). Prajñā is only the final Pāramitā.
(D). The concept of Bodhisattvas is visible in Mahāyāna Buddhist Tradition only.
(E). There is an importance of Prakṛti in Buddhist Philosophy.
- Select the correct statements about Buddhist Councils and Doctrines.
(A). Ālayavijñāna means the knowledge of the Buddhist temples.
(B). Nāgārjuna blamed śūnyavāda.
(C). Tripiṭakas were collected by Asaṅga only during the first Buddhist council.
(D). Vedic Philosophies blamed the Buddhist philosophy.
(E). Buddha blamed the Karma-siddhānta.
View More Questions
Top CUET PG Questions
- Given below are two statements:
Statement I: For Plato the meaning of the word 'Justice' is basically a conception in the mind only.
Statement II: For Plato the meaning of the word 'Justice' is fixed, mind-independently
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below: - What is the electron count of OS6CO182-?
- XeF4 hydrolysis gives A + B, HF, and Oxygen. Find A and B
- What is more basic in pyrol and pyridine?
- Hydrolysis of Al2C3, Be2?
View More Questions